Below are 5 tips to help any driver be green without making drastic changes to their vehicle.
Number 1 – Keep your car well maintained.
Your car needs to be serviced regularly to make sure it is running as efficiently as it can. Look after your engine as well. Consider monitoring your car’s fuel economy. If you see a change in the fuel economy, it could mean that something is wrong with your car. There may be no other issues that are noticeable, but lower fuel economy is a reason to take your car in to me checked by a trained technician.
Number 2 – Watch your speed and driving style.
I know it is hard, but keep within the posted limits. Emission levels are at their lowest for your vehicle when it is travelling between 40 and 60 mph. Use smooth transitions and anticipate upcoming traffic movements to avoid making harsh or aggressive stops and starts. Also, drive your car in as high a gear as possible to improve fuel economy.
Number 3 - Purchase the octane rating that is recommended in your owner’s manual.
Your car’s engine was designed around this octane level. You do not need premium petrol if your manual does not recommend it. It will only cost you extra money and will not allow your car to deliver premium results. However, if your car does require the higher octane level, then make sure this is the petrol that you put in every time you fill the tank to get your engine operating efficiently.
Number 4 - Make sure your tyres are inflated to the recommended tyre pressure.
Tyres that are under-inflated have a higher rolling resistance and therefore require more energy, i.e. fuel, to keep them rolling forward. Also keep in mind that your tyre pressure changes with temperature, so you might have to check the pressure more often than you think.
Number 5 – Unplug your unnecessary electrical devices.
The energy to power your phone, laptop, GPS, etc. has to come from somewhere. Your car’s engine is actually working harder when you are charging those devices. So, if you do not need to use them make sure they are unplugged and not unnecessarily loading your engine.
Number 1 – Keep your car well maintained.
Your car needs to be serviced regularly to make sure it is running as efficiently as it can. Look after your engine as well. Consider monitoring your car’s fuel economy. If you see a change in the fuel economy, it could mean that something is wrong with your car. There may be no other issues that are noticeable, but lower fuel economy is a reason to take your car in to me checked by a trained technician.
Number 2 – Watch your speed and driving style.
I know it is hard, but keep within the posted limits. Emission levels are at their lowest for your vehicle when it is travelling between 40 and 60 mph. Use smooth transitions and anticipate upcoming traffic movements to avoid making harsh or aggressive stops and starts. Also, drive your car in as high a gear as possible to improve fuel economy.
Number 3 - Purchase the octane rating that is recommended in your owner’s manual.
Your car’s engine was designed around this octane level. You do not need premium petrol if your manual does not recommend it. It will only cost you extra money and will not allow your car to deliver premium results. However, if your car does require the higher octane level, then make sure this is the petrol that you put in every time you fill the tank to get your engine operating efficiently.
Number 4 - Make sure your tyres are inflated to the recommended tyre pressure.
Tyres that are under-inflated have a higher rolling resistance and therefore require more energy, i.e. fuel, to keep them rolling forward. Also keep in mind that your tyre pressure changes with temperature, so you might have to check the pressure more often than you think.
Number 5 – Unplug your unnecessary electrical devices.
The energy to power your phone, laptop, GPS, etc. has to come from somewhere. Your car’s engine is actually working harder when you are charging those devices. So, if you do not need to use them make sure they are unplugged and not unnecessarily loading your engine.